For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov . The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet by conference call at 1 p.m. on June 8. Its agenda includes approval of Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grants. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oregon.gov. The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org

UPDATE -  The deceased operator of the motorcycle has been identified as Daniel Lawrence Foster age 60 of Trail, OR.  The deceased passenger on the motorcycle has been identified as Catherine Denise Hock age 54 of Trail, OR.

The names of the juveniles will not be released by the Oregon State Police at this time.

On Saturday, May 19, 2018, at approximately 8:30PM, Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 234 near Eagle Point in Jackson County.

Preliminary investigation revealed a black Harley Davidson was traveling eastbound with a passenger when a silver Ford Mustang collided nearly head-on with the motorcycle.  Both occupants of the motorcycle suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.  There were no injuries sustained by the three juvenile occupants in the Mustang.  The operator of the Mustang was arrested at the scene for DUII.

Highway 234 at the scene was closed for approximately 3.5 hours.  OSP was assisted by ODOT, Fire District 3, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available.

On Sunday, May 20, 2018 at about 3:45pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a traffic crash on US Highway 101 near milepost 145, just south of South Beach.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a blue 2007 Toyota Corolla, driven by Shane LARSON, age 44, of Tillamook, and also occupied by Tyann WALKER, age 32, from Beaver, was traveling northbound when the vehicle crossed into the southbound lane of travel on a relatively straight section of the highway.  The vehicle struck a southbound silver 2014 Buick Verano head on.  The Buick Verano was driven by Sean COMPTON, age 50, from Springfield.  Following the initial collision, the Toyota Corolla traveled over an embankment west of the roadway and rolled onto its top.  The Buick Verano spun across the northbound lane and came to rest with the rear of the vehicle against the guardrail facing west.  

LARSON and COMPTON were transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport.  LARSON was later transported by Life Flight helicopter to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis due to the extent of his injuries. 

WALKER suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.        

US Highway 101 was closed intermittently during the investigation for approximately six hours following the crash.  OSP was assisted by Newport Fire and Rescue, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Seal Rock Fire and Rescue, and ODOT. 

Speed and DUII are being investigated as possible contributing factors for the crash.  This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available.

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Saturday night’s quadruple fatal crash on Interstate 5 north of the Rice Hill area. 

On May 19, 2018 at 9:33 p.m., OSP troopers and emergency responders were dispatched to a two vehicle crash on Interstate 5 southbound near milepost 154. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a red Acura Integra was southbound on Interstate 5 when for unknown reasons turned around and went northbound in the southbound lanes.   The Acura Integra continued northbound in the southbound lanes and collided nearly head-on with a southbound Nissan Murano.  Both vehicles became engulfed in fire after the collision.  Bystanders were able to remove two passengers from the Nissan Murano.    Drivers of both vehicles were not able to be safely removed and died from injuries sustained in the crash.  The two passengers that were removed from the Nissan Murano also both died from injuries sustained in the crash. 

Names of all involved are not being released pending positive identifications and next of kin notifications being completed. 

Investigators are looking for any witnesses that may have seen the red Acura Integra on Interstate 5 southbound prior to the crash.  Those witnesses can call the Oregon State Police at 541-440-3333 and reference case number SP18-181178.

Interstate 5 southbound was closed for over five (5) hours.  Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) set up a detour. 

OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT, North Douglas Fire, South Lane Fire, Bay Cities Ambulance, Sutherlin Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Roseburg Towing.  OSP was also assisted with the investigation by Clark County, Washington Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office.    

On May 19, 2018, at approximately 9:18 am, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stabbing in the parking lot of Rays Market in Selma, Oregon.   Upon the deputies arrival, the victim was deceased.

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Central Point Oregon State Police Criminal Division. Detectives responded and assumed the investigation.

The subsequent investigation revealed a physical altercation occurred in the parking lot between the victim and the suspect.  The victim, 46 year old Frank Norman Chambers of Selma, Oregon  was stabbed during the altercation and died as a result of his injuries.  The suspect, Ramon Eduardo Rodriguez-Acosta, 58 year old also from Selma, Oregon is in custudy and being lodged at the Josephine County Jail on Manslaughter in the first degree.

This is an ongoing investigation and no further details will be released.

May 19, 2018 Josephine County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the Rays Food Place in Selma. Upon arrival they located one victim with fatal stab wounds.  JCSO requested Oregon State Police Major Crimes to investigate.  

A person of interest has been detained.

Investigation continuing.

On May 18, 2018 at approximately 9:40 PM Oregon State Police Troopers responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near Coos Bay.

A 2018 Jeep, driven by George Reese age 73 from North Bend, was north on 101 when it left the roadway striking a business and a residence before coming to a stop in the front yard of the residence.  The driver was transported to Bay Area Hospital with serious injuries.  The passenger, Sharon Reese age 73 from North Bend, died at the scene.

The structures sustained substantial damage.  No injuries were reported from the occupants of the structures. 

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Oregon State Police was assisted by Coos Bay Fire Department, Coos County Sheriff, and ODOT. 

Friday, May 18, is the anniversary of the Mt. St. Helens eruption that, in 1980, unleashed the most devastating eruption in U.S. history. This year’s anniversary is happening as volcanic activity continues to emit dangerous gases and lava in Kilauea, Hawaii, and Oregon Office of Emergency Management Geologic Hazards Coordinator Althea Rizzo says now is great time to remember that it is important learn about volcanoes in Oregon.

“There are lots of places to get good information about volcanoes,” Rizzo said. “We live in a unique area that is geologically active, and understanding hazards posed by volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest is important because volcanoes have potential to cause problems.”

Scientist-in-Charge, Cascades Volcano Observatory Seth Moran also said that it is a good idea to understand what mountains are volcanoes and what the potential hazards associated with those volcanoes are, but said that while the ash clouds in Kilauea are ominous for Hawaiians, that they are small in the grand scheme of things and principally pose a hazard only to the Big Island.

“It's highly unlikely that Kilauea will produce an ash cloud capable of reaching the mainland,” he said.

 The Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) is the agency responsible for monitoring airspace for ash in the Pacific Northwest.  Alerts can be accessed at http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html . For more information on volcanoes visit: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/index.html

“It is important to know what the hazards are for the areas you work and live in,” Rizzo explains. “We all have hazards to deal with. Once you know the hazard, you can plan.”

For more information on how to get prepared for emergencies go to: http://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx

PHOTO CAPTION:

On Sunday, May 18, 1980 at 8:32 a.m., the bulging north flank of Mount St. Helens slid away in a massive landslide -- the largest in recorded history. Seconds later, the uncorked volcano exploded and blasted rocks northward across forest ridges and valleys, destroying everything in its path within minutes. (Photo courtesy of USGS https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/mount-saint-helens-eruption)

Free camping, free parking and special events highlight State Parks Day Saturday June 2.

More than a dozen state parks are holding free events that day, and camping is free at all tent, RV and horse campsites. Day-use parking will be free June 2 and 3 at the 26 parks that charge a day-use fee.

Fishing is also free June 2 and 3, courtesy of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Several free fishing events will be held that weekend by ODFW and partners. Find out more at https://myodfw.com/articles/2018-free-fishing-days-and-events .

“State Parks Day is our way of thanking Oregonians for their commitment to our state parks,” said Lisa Sumption, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director. “We invite people to discover a new park or revisit an old favorite.” 

State Parks Day is organized by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and has been held annually since 1997. This year, OPRD partnered with Oregon Lottery to sponsor events at Milo McIver State Park, The Cove Palisades State Park and Wallowa Lake State Park.

Eighteen state parks will host free events Saturday June 2:

WILLAMETTE VALLEY
—Champoeg State Heritage Area
—Silver Falls State Park
—State Capitol State Park
—Willamette Mission State Park

COAST
—Fort Stevens State Park
—Humbug Mountain State Park
—Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park

CASCADE RANGE AND CENTRAL OREGON
—Detroit Lake State Recreation Area
—LaPine State Park
—Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
—The Cove Palisades State Park

PORTLAND AND COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
—Crown Point State Scenic Corridor
—Milo McIver State Park
—Tryon Creek State Natural Area

SOUTHERN AND EASTERN OREGON
—Goose Lake State Recreation Area
—Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area
—OC&E Woods Line State Trail
—Wallowa Lake State Park

Events include barbecue picnics, a family safety fair, outdoor concerts, ranger-led hikes and more. Full details about events at each park can be found here: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=v.dsp_featureArticle&articleId=229

To guarantee a campsite for State Parks Day, reserve online at oregonstateparks.org or call (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  While campsite rental is free, an $8 non-refundable transaction fee is required at the time of the reservation. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance of your stay. Approximately half of state park campgrounds accept reservations.

On Monday, May 14, 2018, at approximately 10:00AM, Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a motorcycle crash on Highway 62 near Prospect in Jackson County.

Investigation revealed a silver Harley Davidson, operated by Gary Yarmie, age 37, of Oshawa, Ottawa, Canada was traveling northbound with 18 other riders when a deer ran into the roadway in the midst of the motorcycle riders.  The deer collided with Mr. Yarmie causing him to lose control of his motorcycle and leave the roadway.  Mr. Yarmie collided with a tree and suffered fatal injuries.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Highway 62 at the scene was reduced to single lane travel for approximately 4.5 hours.  OSP was assisted by ODOT.